Regional security concerns linked to Afghanistan were the focus of high-level talks between the secretary general of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Imangali Tasmagambetov, and Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana this week.

The meeting, held under the framework of the CSTO, addressed ongoing risks along Afghanistan’s northern borders, particularly the frontier with Tajikistan.

Officials reviewed progress on joint efforts to strengthen border security, with further meetings of foreign and defense ministers expected in the coming months.

Since the Islamic Emirate’s return to power in 2021, Central Asian countries have remained concerned about potential spillover threats, including militancy and instability along shared borders.

IEA officials, including Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, have sought to reassure neighboring states that Afghan territory will not be used to threaten regional security. However, organizations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States continue to warn that conditions in Afghanistan could pose medium-term risks to border stability.

Regional partners are now exploring additional measures to contain potential threats while maintaining security along their external frontiers.

A new Gender Alert by humanitarian partners, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, highlights the growing impact of recent Afghanistan–Pakistan hostilities on women and girls across the country.

The report, developed by the Operational Gender Coordination Group with input from women’s organisations and aid workers, draws on field assessments conducted amid ongoing security constraints. It finds that cross-border airstrikes and clashes since late February have affected at least ten provinces, including Kabul, Khost and Nangarhar.

Women and girls account for more than half of those affected — part of an estimated 90,000 people impacted overall. Many families, including those previously displaced by the 2025 earthquake, have faced renewed displacement and economic strain.

Loss of income has emerged as a key concern, with many women reporting difficulties sustaining livelihoods due to insecurity and limited access to markets and supplies. Women also identified food, shelter and healthcare as priority needs, alongside concerns around safety and dignity.

Access to essential services has become more challenging in some areas. Assessments indicate that women face barriers to healthcare due to movement constraints, limited availability of female staff and logistical challenges. Humanitarian access is also uneven, with some communities reporting difficulties in receiving aid.

Food insecurity is increasing, with households adopting coping strategies such as reducing food intake. At the same time, concerns about safety have led many women to limit movement, affecting access to services, markets and daily activities.

The report also notes growing psychosocial stress, with women describing heightened anxiety and uncertainty amid the ongoing situation. Access to mental health support remains limited, particularly in affected and remote areas.

Humanitarian agencies are calling for continued support to ensure women and girls can access assistance, including targeted aid, improved service delivery and greater inclusion of women in response efforts.

The findings underline the importance of sustained humanitarian engagement to address the evolving needs of communities affected by the conflict.

Two contrasting but equally compelling matches marked Sunday’s action in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with Gujarat Titans cruising to victory in the afternoon and Royal Challengers Bengaluru prevailing in a high-scoring evening clash.

In the first match, Gujarat Titans defeated Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets with eight balls to spare. Lucknow posted 164/8 in their 20 overs, but Gujarat chased down the target comfortably, finishing on 165/3 in 18.4 overs.

Pacer Prasidh Krishna delivered a match-winning spell, taking 4/28 and earning Player of the Match honours. With the bat, captain Shubman Gill led from the front with 56 off 40 balls, while Jos Buttler added a quickfire 60, guiding Gujarat to a comfortable win.

The evening encounter at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in a run-fest. Bengaluru posted a formidable 240/4 in their 20 overs, powered by a blistering 78 from Phil Salt and a half-century from captain Rajat Patidar.

Mumbai Indians mounted a strong chase, finishing on 222/5, with Sherfane Rutherford top-scoring with 71 off 31 balls. However, the target proved too steep as Bengaluru held their nerve to secure victory.

The results continue to shape an increasingly competitive early phase of the IPL season, with teams beginning to build momentum in the standings.

Monday’s match

Attention now turns to Monday’s fixture, where Sunrisers Hyderabad face Rajasthan Royals. Both sides will be aiming to strengthen their positions, with key players expected to play decisive roles in what promises to be another closely fought contest.

All IPL matches are being broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Television Network (ATN) across Afghanistan.